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Wire Gauge Size for 50 Amps

Hi,

After checking out the article here <American wire gauge>, it appears that AWG #6 is sufficient for a 50-amp setup (for NEMA 14-50). However, I recall reading some posts here on TMC saying that it would be better to go bigger (#4, not sure if #5 is common). To my mind, a thicker wire would incur a smaller amount of energy lost to heat (therefore increasing the charging efficiency). Would it be worthwhile to go this route?

Wow, great question and detail there. I don't know the answers (tho pricing should be easy to find online), but one thing came to mind: some 50A device (the circuit breaker or the plug) might not accept the thicker wire -- so just be sure it does if you decide to go thicker.

Standard for 50amp is 6 gauge for copper. Use #4 for 100 amp. I'm running 100 amp to subpanel on the garage for future addition of another 50 amp outlet for my wife. For me it cost around $200 extra for the #4 vs #6 for about a 40' run. #4 is much thicker wire to run.

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PLEASE NOTE: These musings are the copyrighted intellectual property of the author, and are intended as part of a conversation among the Tesla Motors Clubs membership. My words may not be quoted by any third party outside the Tesla Motors Clubs forums, without my expressed consent.

PLEASE NOTE: These musings are the copyrighted intellectual property of the author, and are intended as part of a conversation among the Tesla Motors Clubs membership. My words may not be quoted by any third party outside the Tesla Motors Clubs forums, without my expressed consent.

With that said, I used 6/3 NM-B on my 50A 14-50, I'm also using 3AWG THHN for the 75A OpenEVSE I am building on a 100A breaker, because it was less money than 4AWG (believe it or not, $0.75 per foot for the #3 vs $1.20 for the #4)

So yeah - I'm afraid that efusco's Plug and 100Amp line sticker shock is not yet over - this wire is only good for a 40A circuit which means you can only pull 32A from it with a continuous load like charging your car.

So yeah - I'm afraid that efusco's Plug and 100Amp line sticker shock is not yet over - this wire is only good for a 40A circuit which means you can only pull 32A from it with a continuous load like charging your car.

Well I don't like to hear that! Let me contact the electrician &amp; see what he says.